Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
November 25, 2024
By: Shu Yasumi, Editor-in-Chief, SEISANZAI Japan; Yuya Sone, Editorial Desk of robot digest
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS 2024) was held September 9-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. With 113,947 square meters of exhibit space, the event hosted 1,737 exhibitors and attracted 89,020 registered attendees. Despite the challenging economic conditions in North America, lively business discussions took place in anticipation of the economic upturn. The labor shortage in the region is critical and has driven significant interest in automation solutions that can be implemented immediately.
Known as the “Chicago Show,” IMTS did not reach the record-breaking scale of the 2018 event, but it did show a definite resurgence compared to the post-pandemic edition in 2022. Economic conditions in North America remain challenging, with stagnant investment in the automotive sector and a weakened aerospace industry impacted by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions and Boeing’s aircraft accidents. While sectors such as defense and healthcare are performing better, the overall recovery has been slower than expected, according to industry insiders.
Small job shops in particular are struggling. High interest rates are slowing investment, and the U.S. presidential election in November has added uncertainty. Given these factors, job shops are holding off on making major capital investments. Despite sluggish orders, manufacturers report a significant number of inquiries, largely driven by labor shortages. Rising wages and post-pandemic labor shortages have made automation and process integration more attractive than ever. “In the U.S., it’s becoming ‘standard’ to add some form of automation when introducing new machine tools,” said one industry representative. Reflecting this trend, many machines at IMTS featured automation components such as robots and automatic pallet changers (APCs). Exhibitors also showcased labor-saving solutions such as 5-axis machining centers and multitasking machines.
Haas Automation exhibited cost-effective 5-axis machines
Securing a front-row booth in the South Hall, where machine tool manufacturers exhibit, is considered prestigious. Haas Automation, the largest machine tool builder in the U.S., once again occupied prime front-row space and demonstrated its strong appeal. One of the highlights was the popular vertical 5-axis machining center, “UMC-400SS,” which features XYZ linear axes on the spindle side and BC rotary axes on the table side. The “SS” stands for “Super Speed,” referring to the high-speed spindle with a maximum of 12,000 rpm and enhanced rapid traverse capabilities. “It’s a very cost-effective machine, even for applications that don’t require simultaneous 5-axis machining anytime,” said a Haas representative.
Yamazaki Mazak exhibited Swiss-type NC lathes made in the USA
Other manufacturers, such as Yamazaki Mazak, also showcased reduced-price yet powerful 5-axis machines. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its plant founded in 1974, Mazak displayed several U.S.-made models, including the “SYNCREX 12/8,” a Swiss-style CNC lathe capable of machining bar stock as thin as 12 mm in diameter. “Mineral casting isn’t universally superior, but it’s an ideal material for Swiss-type automatic lathes, offering excellent damping properties and environmental benefits,” said Kazuya Horibe, Senior Corporate Officer at Yamazaki Mazak.
JTEKT exhibited its own products as well as products from group companies and partners
JTEKT highlighted the group’s comprehensive capabilities and product lineup by exhibiting machines from the group and partner companies such as Taiwan’s Takisawa, WELE, and India’s AMS. A key exhibit was its “FH5000Si,” an integrated automation system for horizontal machining centers, which made its North American debut. The company emphasized its ability to machine larger workpieces than similarly sized machines.
Okuma demonstrated automatic tool change for the turret tool post on its multi-tasking machine
Okuma displayed 14 machines at IMTS, emphasizing labor savings through automation and process integration. Since establishing the Okuma Factory Automation Division in its U.S. subsidiary in March 2023, the company has emphasized its focus on automation solutions, and displayed many systems developed by this division at the show. One of the exhibits featured a collaborative robot in front of the “MULTUS U3000” multitasking machine, which automates tool changes on the turret and enables uninterrupted machining regardless of tool life.
DN Solutions unveiled its new multi-tasking machine to the world
Outside of the Japanese manufacturers, Korea’s largest machine tool builder, DN Solutions, secured a prime position. They introduced a new series of lathe-based multitasking machines, marking a global debut. This high-end machine, the “DNX2100S,” can handle workpieces up to 520 mm in diameter and 1,110 mm in length, features a high-speed milling spindle at 12,000 rpm, and can hold up to 60 tools. “It’s a game-changer that addresses every request we’ve received for our SMX series and offers transformative capabilities,” said a company representative.
Makino’s a500iR can machine large workpieces
Makino, which had substantially reduced its exhibit space at the previous show, returned with a larger booth on the second row, showcasing its latest models. One highlight was the “a500iR,” a 5-axis horizontal machining center that offers more than a 30% increase in workpiece capacity over previous models. “Our primary target is aluminum aircraft components,” explained Tadashi Nishino, General Manager of the Sales Division.
Hurco promoted its robotic system
Hurco, a U.S.-based machine tool builder, emphasized automation by showcasing machine tending systems developed by ProCobots, a robotic systems integrator it acquired about five years ago. At the booth, these systems combined collaborative robots with 5-axis machining centers, 3-axis machining centers, and turning centers. The company also demonstrated Kawasaki Robotics’ articulated robots, reflecting their new collaboration since August this year. “We can strengthen our offerings with the most optimal automation solutions,” explained a representative.
Sodick showed a link between an electrode machining and an EDM machine
Sodick exhibited a combination of the “UX650L” linear motor machining center and the “AL40G+” die-sinking EDM. The two machines have been linked so that electrodes machined and stored on the UX650L can be automatically transferred by robot to the EDM as required. “We aim to add value not only with stand-alone machines but also with integrated automation solutions,” said Yuji Akutsu, COO Executive Vice President and Director.
Matsuura Machinery (Fukui, Japan, President: Katsutoshi Matsuura) also drew large crowds with a complete lineup of its flagship series. The “MAM72-42V” 5-axis vertical machining center with APC automation was particularly well received. The new “MiOS4” operating system manages schedules, machining programs and tool life for efficient unattended operation. “Automated APC-based machining is one of our strengths, offering reliable unmanned operation,” said Director Yuto Matsuura.
Matsuura Machinery proposed automation with its APC
Digital solutions were plentiful; with Swedish metrology giant Hexagon drawing attention to its “NEXUS Connected Worker platform.” This cloud-based solution integrates data from upstream design processes to downstream inspection stages, optimizing workflows. “By centralizing all tasks on one platform, we eliminate waste, prevent human error and significantly accelerate project completion,” explained an official.
In addition to company exhibits, the show hosted the Smartforce Student Summit, which attracted some 15,000 middle and high school students to explore the latest manufacturing technologies.
Okuma President Dr. Atsushi Ieki
Okuma President Dr. Atsushi Ieki
“Our main focus at IMTS 2024 was on automation and process integration, but we were really conscious of ‘being able to grow in steps.’ For example, with automation, we started with a simple collaborative robot system that you simply set up in front of the machine, then moved to setups with integrated workpiece racks and robots, and finally to an automation system that includes autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and measuring equipment. In this way, we showed a range of systems, from the easiest to implement to the most advanced. Even if you want to achieve a smart factory where all the equipment works together, it’s not easy to do it all at once. We wanted to show the steps that need to be taken to make incremental changes.”
NS TOOL President & CEO Hiroji Goto
NS TOOL President & CEO Hiroji Goto
“We have partnered with Swiss drill manufacturer Mikron Tool, which serves as our exclusive distributor in the Americas. Mikron is a drill manufacturer, so there is no competition with our end mills; rather, the drills complement our end mills, creating a win-win situation. While our products are used in the automotive industry, which is currently sluggish, we are targeting the medical sector. We established a U.S. subsidiary two years ago and are now maintaining local inventory, setting the stage for expanded U.S. sales.”
September 10, 2024
July 2, 2024
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